CM seeks probe into AAP’s claims on ‘phansi ghar’

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday demanded a probe into the AAP’s claims on the ‘phansi ghar’ on the Delhi Assembly premises and called for recovering every penny spent on its renovation.

Speaking in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, she refuted the previous government’s claim that a section of the Assembly building was once a “phansi ghar” (execution chamber), calling it a gross distortion of history, an insult to national martyrs and a betrayal of public trust.

She alleged that former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a calculated attempt to gain public sympathy, had arbitrarily declared a portion of the Assembly premises as a gallows site without any documentary evidence or historical authenticity.

“Kejriwal has always engaged in calculated political theatrics. Every gesture, outfit and statement was carefully scripted to serve a political objective. Under the guise of honesty, patriotism and sacrifice, people were misled. It was all a staged drama,” she added.

Citing historical records, Gupta clarified that the Assembly building was constructed in 1912 and served as the venue for sessions of the Imperial Legislative Council from 1913 to 1926.

The area now being falsely portrayed as a “phansi ghar” was originally a service staircase constructed for British officers primarily used for tiffin service and logistical purposes.

In contrast, the actual site of the old Delhi jail, where executions took place, was located at what is now Maulana Azad Medical College.

“Misrepresenting history not only misleads the public but also dishonours the sacrifices of our martyrs,” she added.

The CM urged Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta and the House to immediately remove the misleading signage referencing the “phansi ghar” from the Assembly premises.

She further revealed that nearly Rs 1 crore of taxpayers’ money was spent on promoting this false narrative, and called for full recovery of the amount, registration of an FIR against those responsible and the institution of a detailed inquiry.